Walter Pukatiwara
'Let me be a free Man, free to travel, free to stop, free to work, free to trade where I choose, free to choose my own teachers, free to follow the Religion of my elders, free to talk, think and act for myself - and I will obey every law or submit to the penalty'
Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce'
These meals, (along with the occasional steak for me), are essential the week before our departure.
It will be a very different story when we get on tour, limited funds and no garden to pick from, we'll need to find some creative ways of feeding ourselves as we travel.
This week, we'll cram as much of the garden produce into ourselves as we can!
The Mega Range (largest ring seen here to the left) almost enables us to climb up brick walls, essential when one is lugging close to 45 Kg's of cargo over 70 Km's or more.
The front and rear tubes are also replaced with thorn proof's.
Because of this change, I am waiting on the delivery of some very special 12 Pin Connectors, a plug and socket for each bike that is waterproof, dustproof and bullet-proof! These will enable us to quickly hitch and unhitch the electrics from the bikes.
With only 3 days left before we go, they still haven't arrived. Grrrrrrrrr........
There could be some midnight oil being burnt later in the week.
Kris uses a 'motorcycle style' hand throttle as she prefers it, mine's thumb controlled, something to do with the evolution of men and women perhaps.
Kris will also be carrying the video camera on her handlebars to capture all those interesting 'road moments'........
The only problem with the Garmin, is its operator. I keep forgetting to set the next days destination, so the bloody thing keeps telling me to do a 'U' Turn when we head off next morning.
Looks pretty damned good.
We'll have some shots of the bikes fully loaded, before we head off.
Is that A Brooks Saddle?
Indeed it is, can't handle them myself, but Kris loves them. I'm still trying to find one of those old, wide tractor seats for my 50 year old backside to fit snugly into.
If you know of any hanging around, let me know, tractor seats, that is......
To Alex, my son, who has retained his belief no matter what has been thrown his way, and through that, is forging a life of his own, with great wisdom.
To Kade Smith from Steel City Cycle Works, who pulled out all the stops to get us our Mega-Range Gear Set's in time, and who continues to be an enormous inspiration in all aspects of life.
To Paul Wildman, who, in recent weeks, has re-invigorated a passion in me, so much so that I will probably become a pain in his arse.
To Gary from Cargo Cycles, for helping us to sell our old Yuba's and for his help in promoting this Tour.
To all those who have tirelessly supported the work and philosophies that Mechanarchy engages in, Ralph from the Talbot Railway Station Nursery, Shelley from Dingo Dreaming, Kath Harris, Melissa and Doug, Phil, Morgan, Karolina, Solway, Pat and Eve, Patrick, Bob, Bruno and Eileen, Kevin, Jim and Wendy.
To Bob Mckinnon from Steelmanship Clunes, for his help and generosity.
To Kat and Bon for helping to look after the place whilst we're gone and for the many eggs, veggies, apples and the big pile of horse manure!
This tour would simply not be possible without the help and support of all these people, so please accept our very sincere and heartfelt thanks!